nIlth and 12th January the International Socialist Movement platform within Socialist Party held its annual meeting.
The whole of the first day was devoted to a wide ranging discussion on "the future path of the SSP" - the broad party, the revolutionary party and the role of the ISM.
As background to this a paper from John Rees (in International Socialist Jounal) and a reply by Murray Smith were circulated as well as a paper by Frances Curran, ISM organiser.
Leading off the discussion Frances noted that the European Social Forum in Florence was a turning point in response to capitalism across Europe. It is necessary to discuss the role of parties and their relationship to the "movement of movements".
In Scotland we have not seen major autonomous movements, however, there were radicalising forces in GM protests, Palestine and youth culture which were not as yet drawn to the SSP
In general however, the SSP has been at the centre of almost all struggles in Scotland over the last 4 years.
How we get across to the mass of the •...
¡No a la guerra the Scottish contra the
A movement: but what about a party? population and win them to anti-capitalism and for socialism was the key question. The SSP has a fairly coherent programme supported by almost all members. If we achieve further electoral success and double membership, how should we ensure the party integrates these new members' experiences and provides Marxist education? Is the ISM a suitable vehicle for Marxist organisation? Should there be wider regrouping of Marxists - an open "Marxist" platform? Is the ISM even needed? revolutionary party, were discussed. along Marxist lines. Marxist analysis. meeting opened the discussion. ganisation. was required.
Over the following 6 hours a wide ranging, open and frank discussion ensued in which both practical problems eg. finding time for ISM meetings and party meetings, dealing with other platforms - and theoretical issues - can the SSP itself become a mass
in Scotland.
It was accepted that how Marxists organise is a tactical question which can change over time. Some felt the ISM should dissolve its platform. Others were undecided, but felt it wouldn't matter insofar as the SSP as a whole would continue to act cohesively be our objective.
Others felt the loose organisation of the ISM had weakened its ability to develop
The majority feeling seemed to The form, final decisions were postponed till after the election, essentially this
Looking beyond the short term, there was a general recognition that organisational forms had to respond to capitalist reorObjectively a mass workers party cooperating with other parties internationally
Alan McCoombes, in summing up, noted that electoral success was an important step in advancing our influence and that May's elections were of crucial importance.
If we extend our influence we will be forced to start a discussion on our strategy for socialism and achieving workers power
Be want to turn the SSP into an organisation capable of taking power and defeating capitalism. This is not preordained, but it must
The experience of the Bolsheviks and the Russian Revolution of 1917, whilst giving important lessons is not a roadmap
We must analyse the current world, and war with Iraq could have a major impact
meeting drew visitors from Argentina, Dublin and France. On Sunday there were reports on the situation in Argentina, on the launching of the Socialist Party in Australia and from Francois Duval from the LCR and the Fourth International.
Francois reported on the developments towards regroupment in Europe and on the discussions leading up to the forthcoming Congress of the Fourth International.
The SSP has participated in the movements for left regroupment and the ISM is sending an observer to the Fl congress. Saturday 25 January Manchester Socialist Alliance Day School for Women 11.00-5.00pm Cross Street Chapel, Monday 27 January London Protest Against the Daily Mail and for Asylum Seekers Organised by the jewish Socialist Group to mark Holocaust Day The Mail is attacking asylum seekers now - in the past they have opposed Jewist immigration and supported British fascist Oswald Mosley. 5.30pm, outside Daily Mail, Derby St (High St Kensington tube.) Tuesday 28 January Support anti-war protester Leo Zellig 9.30am, Bow Street Magistrates' Court, London (Bow Road +). Wednesday 29 January London Defend Council Housing - Lobby of Parliament Sponsored by many tenants associations and five national unions. More info and stuff to download at www.defendcouncil-